Telomere

Are you aging faster than you would like due to telomere shortening?

Current research shows that telomere shortening contributes to cellular aging and susceptibility to metabolic disorders and chronic disease.1-6 According to scientific research, telomere shortening may contribute to aging and age-related conditions. Telomeres are segments of DNA found at the ends of chromosomes. They can be prematurely shortened when exposed to environmental chemicals, oxidation, inflammation, and stress. This leads to DNA damage and contributes to early cell death.7-9

Inflammation, Aging, and its association with Telomeres

Inflammation is associated with aging and telomere shortening. Telomeres become shorter after each cell division until eventually chromosomal DNA reaches a critical point at which the cell can no longer divide (known as the Hayflick limit).22 The loss of this protective telomere “armor” renders DNA vulnerable to damage and may result in an individual’s increased risk for accelerated aging and associated health conditions. If telomeres are maintained, then termination of cell division (senescence) and programmed cell death (apoptosis) can be delayed.